What makes an animation school program “a top” program depends on a variety of factors. While many organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Princeton Review assess program offerings, faculty resources, graduation and retention rates, financial resources, and student selectivity to separate the best from the rest, other smaller groups may consider issues such as cost and convenience first. Other factors used to determine which schools are “top” schools may include types of clubs and organizations, recreation, student population, job placement services, and even Greek life. If you haven’t already guessed, students, alums, bloggers, and other similar groups create many “top school” lists.
Although the factors used to compile each list are different, many top schools still end up with a spot on the “best schools” list. Continue reading to find out which Iowa animation schools made the list of top schools and what each has to offer. Please note that the top schools listed below are in order by student population from largest to smallest.
Top Animation School Programs Iowa Major Cities
Des Moines
Drake University
Student Population: 3,300
Backdrop: Urban, 150-acre campus, 10-minute drive to downtown Des Moines
Degrees Offered: B.A. in Studio Art, B.A. in Graphic Design, B. F. A. in Studio Art, B. F. A. in Graphic Design. These programs require successful completion of 2D and 3D design, drawing, digital production, and other similar courses for animators.
Dubuque
Loras College
Student Population: 1,530
Backdrop: Urban, 60-acre campus, easy access to East Dubuque, IL, Galena, IL
Degrees Offered: B. A. Integrated Visual Arts with Animation Studies
Top Animation School Programs Iowa Other Cities and Towns
Cedar Falls
University of Northern Iowa
Student Population: 11,391
Backdrop: Small town, 916-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Art Studio with Graphic Design Emphasis, Graphic Communications, Graphic Technologies; B. F. A. Art Studio with Graphic Design Emphasis
Clinton
Ashford University
Student Population: 9,866
Backdrop: Small town, 24-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B.A. Computer Graphic Design with Animation Track, Web Design Track
More Programs to Consider:
- San Francisco & Online
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
Sources
Peterson’s, www.petersons.com
Princeton Review, www.princetonreview.com
U.S. News & World Report College Rankings, www.usnews.com/rankings
